- How Long Is The Grace Period For An Expired License In Texas
- Do You Get A Grace Period For Expired License In Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety allows drivers to renew their licenses up to one year before they expire, but you can still renew up to two years after the expiration date. The department offers several renewal options. At the time of publication, the renewal fee is about $30.
Expiration Date
Texas Administration Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 217.22. This guidance is referenced in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) requirements to properly display the registration certificate. DPS does not inspect the license plate specifically, but instead inspects the license plate lamp. Texas allows a license to be reissued up to two years after it's expired. Virginia allows a license to be renewed up to 6 months after expiration. If you are between the ages of 18 and 84, your Texas license is good for six years. But once you hit the age of 85, you have to start renewing your license every two years. When to Renew Your License. You can renew your Texas driver license up to a year before it expires and up to two years after it expires.
Texas state driver's licenses are valid for six years and expire on your birthday. If you are unable to renew by this date, you can do so up to two years after, but you can't drive until you do. Licenses that have been expired for longer than two years cannot be renewed. In such a case, you must apply for a license like a new applicant, which involves taking vision, written and driving skills tests.
Ways to Renew
You can renew your license in Texas by phone, online or mail or in person. To renew online or by phone, you must meet the following conditions:
- Have a class C or CM license.
- Be a U.S. citizen aged 18 through 78.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Have stable vision, mental and physical conditions -- that is, unchanged since your last renewal.
- Renewed your license in person last time.
Requirements to Renew
To renew your license, you need the following:
- Current license.
- Credit card.
- Last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Fee payment.
If you are not eligible to renew by telephone, online or mail, you must renew in person at your local DPS office.
In-Person Renewal
Minors
Those who must renew their licenses in person include minors under 18 years and minors with provisional licenses. The provisional license is for teenagers under the age of 18 who have had a learner's permit for six months. Minors must show a Verification of Enrollment form, high school diploma or GED.
How Long Is The Grace Period For An Expired License In Texas
Drivers With Limited-Term Licenses
If you have a limited-term license, you must show proof of your legal residence. When you renew in person, you complete an application form, have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee and possibly take a vision test.
Renewing While Out of State
Contact the department to renew your expired license if you are a permanent Texas resident but currently reside out of state, such as being on active military duty or away at school. Download and complete the out-of-state or out-of-country form from the DPS website and send it with a check or money order to: Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 149008, Austin, TX 78714-9008. If you did not renew in person last time, include an Explanation for Eye Specialist form, which you can download from the website.
Warnings
Do You Get A Grace Period For Expired License In Texas
The department will not send you a temporary license if you renew online, so you must print it out when you complete the online process. You will not receive a receipt for the telephone option.